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Monday, July 23, 2018

Four Vikings Roster Battles to Watch in Training Camp

Vikings training camp will begin with rookies holding a practice at TCO Performance Center on Wednesday. Daniel House takes a look at the potential roster battles.

Updated: July 23, 2018, 12:45 p.m.

By: Daniel House

Vikings training camp will begin with rookies holding a
practice at TCO Performance Center on Wednesday. As camp kicks off, the roster battles
will intensify in August as the 53-man roster starts to take shape.

When practices begin, there are a few position groups where
young players will be proving they are worthy of a roster spot. With that in
mind, here’s a close look at position battles worth watching during training
camp and the preseason.

Wide Receiver

The final two roster spots at wide receiver have a plethora
of candidates who could snatch a reserve role. Former New York Giants wide
receiver Tavarres King and Bears pass catcher Kendall Wright signed in the offseason.
In addition, local product Brandon Zylstra was added after a strong CFL
campaign in Edmonton last year. Second-year wide receiver Stacy Coley also
could compete for a spot if he can stay healthy.

The Vikings injected experienced options into the room to go
along with undrafted free agents Jeff Badet, Korey Robertson, Jake Wieneke and
Chad Beebe. Badet is a spark-plug style player and speedy vertical threat, who
starred at Oklahoma. Jake Wieneke was a Maple Grove Minn. star and rose to the
top of the depth chart at South Dakota State. In addition, Korey Robertson was widely
considered a mid-round prospect, but went undrafted after his athletic testing
drew concerns. Finally, Chad Beebe, a primary slot receiver and son of former
Bills wide receiver Don Beebe, drew attention in camp and could be an option
for the practice squad.

With all of those players in the fold, the final reserve
spots on the depth chart are up for grabs through a strong performance in training
camp and the preseason.

Offensive Line

When Vikings players arrive to training camp, it will be
with heavy hearts as they mourn the loss of offensive line coach Tony Sparano. It
will be particularly difficult for the room of players who worked with him on a
daily basis. The game will be an escape for many as they try to carry on his
legacy this season. As camp progresses, the final spots on the offensive line will
be up for grabs. If the Vikings keep 10 offensive linemen, the cut down process
will be less difficult. Aviante Collins, Danny Isidora, Brian O’Neill, Colby
Gossett and veteran Tom Compton would likely round out the reserve spots. If
the team chooses to keep nine players on the offensive line, it would mean
Collins, Gossett and Compton would be battling for the final two spots.

Collins served as an extra lineman in the Vikings’ jumbo
package last year and the team was pleased with his development. He fits the
mold of a guard more than a tackle due to his body profile. This could hurt him
because Tom Compton has prior experience at both tackle and guard during his
prior stops in Washington and Chicago. Outside of that, sixth-round pick Colby Gossett
was a value selection and could develop into a future starter. It would be
surprising if the Vikings decided to part ways, but the performance of others
in the race could change the depth chart landscape.

Cornerback

Arguably no position has more depth than the cornerback
group. The versatility of first-round pick Mike Hughes and the undrafted free
agent signing of Holton Hill, brings two top-50 players to the room. With the
coaching staff’s ability to take defensive back talent to the next level, these
two additions will provide excellent second-tier depth. If the team decides to
keep five cornerbacks, this is the season where veteran Marcus Sherels could
miss the cut. Hughes may return punts and kicks to open another roster spot. However,
keeping Sherels for one more season would provide stability as the team waits
to see whether Holton Hill develops and turns things around off-the-field. Hill
reportedly slid off draft boards due to character concerns, so being cautious
for one year might be valuable.

Outside of the two additions, Xavier Rhodes is a blue-chip
cornerback, Trae Waynes was developing well, veteran Terence Newman returned and Mackensie Alexander is on a
mission to prove his worth this season. With all of this talent, the Vikings have
a bright future at cornerback.

Running Back

This offseason, Jerick McKinnon signed a four-year deal with
the San Francisco 49ers. It leaves an open spot to fill before the regular season
begins. McKinnon played a major role in the offense as a third down running
back. With Dalvin Cook handling the starting duties, along with veteran
Latavius Murray, a change of pace running back will be necessary. The team
signed both Roc Thomas and Mike Boone in undrafted free agency. As I recently noted, they both possess unique traits. Boone creates a plethora of yards after
contact, but didn’t show off all the explosiveness you’d expect. Some of this
is attributed to nagging injuries, including a foot problem during his final
season in Cincy. Thomas runs with more burst and agility and could potentially
provide value on special teams, too. These two players both have unique
skill-sets and could push for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart.

Many people also forget the Vikings signed Mack Brown at the
midway point of last season. Brown played at Florida and was signed by
Washington in 2016. He has in-game experience from earlier in his career,
including a 61-yard touchdown. Brown is a running back with great vision, burst
and acceleration. He has been slightly inconsistent as a pass catcher, but has
been developing in the background.

With three capable options at the position, the battle
should be intriguing in late August.